Other motoring news in brief
Accelerating onto television screens
A new Irish motoring programme, Accelerator, has been pencilled in for an autumn broadcast on TV3. From the same people that produced the Driveseries for RTÉ from 1998 to 2002, the presenters will be Neil Briscoe, former Miss World Rosanna Davison and racing driver Emmet O'Brien.
Clarification - Judge Haughton
In our edition of October 24th last, we published an article headed "Judge rules on learner drivers". We wish to clarify that Judge Gerard Haughton has given a legitimate and valid interpretation of the road traffic legislation referred to in that article. It was not intended to suggest otherwise.
BMW 7-series on the road prior to unveiling
This is the new BMW 7-Series undergoing tests prior to its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show this September. The new car has moved away from some of the more controversial design features of the last generation. It instead takes its cues, particularly at the front and rear, from concept cars like the CS concept car.
BMW have watched rivals Mercedes and Lexus seriously increase the luxury and refinement in this market segment so the Bavarians are eager to close the gap. This means cabin improvement.
While the i-Drive system remains, it is moved forward, while the stalk gearshift has been replaced with the joystick-style controller that features in the new X6. It's also expected the new car will feature a new eight-speed transmission.
As reported here last week, BMW is to end production of its V8 diesel.
New i10 for Hyundai line-up
Hyundai has introduced the latest revamp of its model line-up. The i10 replaces the ageing Atoz and follows on from the recent success of the i30.
The new car is significantly bigger inside compared to the outgoing Atoz and the Korean marquee claims it can take five adults without complaint. Hyundai Ireland managing director Sam Synnott claims the extra space makes the i10 a competitor not just for city cars but also in the larger supermini category.
The big news is the price. Starting at €11,995, Synnott said these are prices set with the July tax changes in mind, so the price will remain the same.
The i10 has a 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 62bhp and with a CO2 rating of just 119g/km. It will have an annual road tax of just €100 for the manual. A four-speed automatic version is also being offered, priced at €13,995.
Next for Hyundai will be the i20, a replacement for the Getz model. Though it has yet to be confirmed for all markets, the Genesis model is also likely to make its way to Europe as the i50.
Sightings mean Ferrari Dino may be on the way
Here is yet more evidence that Ferrari is working on a new Dino.
These exclusive pictures are showing a first real prototype of the new car.
Disguised as it is, it only shows a general outline of the car that will become the new Dino.
The original Dino was built between 1968 and 1976, and its name honours the founder Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari, who died in 1956 at the age of 24 from muscular dystrophy.
While that vintage Dino had a V6 behind the driver, the new one will be powered by a V8 with 400 bhp.
Ferrari will most likely start with a coupé, but expect a convertible spider version. Talk is also about the new Dino to be built at the Maserati factory in Modena.
Even though Ferrari is officially denying the project, we expect to see the Dino on the roads in 2009.
Stephenson leaves Fiat
Frank Stephenson, the designer behind the new sleeker styling at Fiat in recent years - such as the eyecatching 500 and the return of the Bravo - has left the Italian firm. Stephenson had joined from BMW where he worked on the relaunch of the Mini brand and the X5.
He spent time with Ferrari before being moved to Fiat to revitalise the brand. Most recently he had been moved to Alfa Romeo.
His departure is a blow to the Alfa brand as it attempts to revamp its product line.
Amid reports that Alfa models will return to the US market next year, the Italian premium brand has already announced details of its new MiTo supermini and is working on the 149 hatchback.